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Recent News
NSF NRAO Leads Future of U.S. Radio Astronomy with First Light from Next Generation Very Large Array Prototype
The proposed array’s design will improve on the sensitivity and spatial resolution—with 10 times the effective collecting area and resolution—over the current NSF VLA and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at the same wavelengths.
VLBA Maps Turbulent ‘Weather’ in the Milky Way
Astronomers using the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Very Long Baseline Array (NSF VLBA), operated by the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO), have made the first clear, radio-wavelength detection of how turbulent gas in our own Galaxy distorts light from a distant quasar.
Image Release: the ngVLA Prototype Handover Ceremony
Credit: C. Jaramillo Feldman U.S. National Science Foundation/NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory
A landmark event for astronomy took place on April 25, 2025, as mtex antenna technology GmbH officially handed over the prototype antenna for the proposed Next Generation Very Large Array (ngVLA) to the U.S. National Science Foundation National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO) at a ceremony held at the NSF Very Large Array site on the Plains of San Agustin, New Mexico. View our released image gallery.
The handover ceremony brought together a diverse group of attendees, including colleagues from Mexico and Germany, New Mexico state representatives, contractors from mtex, NRAO and ngVLA project staff, and members of the ngVLA Science and Technical Council, . Notable speakers included NRAO Director Tony Beasley and mtex CEO Lutz Stenvers, who highlighted the partnership and the scientific vision that the ngVLA represents-from searching for Earth-like planets to exploring supermassive black holes.
During the event, guests witnessed a demonstration of the new 18-meter antenna, which features advanced technology such as precision machined and laser etched panels, and structural members constructed of carbon fiber composite materials.This innovative design is expected to set the standard for the approximately 244 18-meter antennas planned for the full ngVLA array.
The ceremony also served as a platform for NRAO leadership and staff to discuss the importance of the ngVLA project with New Mexico and the broader US and international communities. Representatives from local institutions, including the University of New Mexico, attended and emphasized the state’s growing role in global radio astronomy research.
This handover marks a significant step forward in the proposed ngVLA project, setting the stage for further testing and development as New Mexico continues to be a hub for astronomical discovery.
Read more about the ceremony from The Albuquerque Journal and El Defensor Chieftain.
About NRAO
The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation, operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
This news article was originally published on the NRAO website on May 12, 2025.
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Ten high school students have been awarded for academic achievement, community involvement and leadership skills.
NSF NRAO Leads Future of U.S. Radio Astronomy with First Light from Next Generation Very Large Array Prototype
The proposed array’s design will improve on the sensitivity and spatial resolution—with 10 times the effective collecting area and resolution—over the current NSF VLA and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array at the same wavelengths.
VLBA Maps Turbulent ‘Weather’ in the Milky Way
Astronomers using the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Very Long Baseline Array (NSF VLBA), operated by the NSF National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NSF NRAO), have made the first clear, radio-wavelength detection of how turbulent gas in our own Galaxy distorts light from a distant quasar.